Sanctioned tanker sinks off Oman, crude oil reaches protected zone

A sanctioned oil tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, is reportedly sinking off the coast of Oman, leading to a significant crude oil spill that has reached a protected marine area. Satellite images analyzed by environmental experts show the oil slick rapidly spreading from the vessel, which has been stranded for weeks.

The spill has now reached Qibliyah island, a protected area within the Arabian Sea reserve, known for its endangered petrels and rare Arabian humpback whales. Experts from Greenpeace Germany and PAX, a Dutch organization monitoring environmental conditions in conflict zones, have been tracking the situation. Initial satellite data from late July indicated a smaller spill, but by early August, it had expanded dramatically.

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Satellite image analysis suggests that the oil spill covered 45 square kilometers (17 square miles) as of July 26. By August 2, it had expanded to around 150 square kilometers (58 square miles), and images from August 4 indicate it now extends for approximately 600 square kilometers (232 square miles).

The Caroline Bezengi, reportedly part of Russia's "ghost fleet," has been subject to sanctions by the British government and the European Union for transporting Russian crude oil. It departed from Novorossiysk, Russia, in May. The vessel's crew reported an explosion on board on June 8, leading to its stranding off the coast of Oman. Recent satellite images suggest the tanker is partially submerged, a notable deterioration from its condition in late July.

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The oil slick was barely visible in new satellite images and appeared to have diluted and dispersed due to weather conditions.